Indigenous scholarship winners announced

Thursday, 9 February 2012 9:56AM

Gold Coast Institute of TAFE (GCIT) Chief Executive Officer, Aaron Devine, today announced the five successful recipients of the Institute's 2012 Indigenous Scholarship Program.

Scholarships were awarded to one mature learner and four school leaver applicants, with the successful recipients receiving full cover for course fees and $500 to be spent towards learning materials at the GCIT Bookshop.

The 2012 GCIT Indigenous Scholarship winners are:

• Adam Reid - Diploma of Fitness
• Lucia Caminiti - Diploma of Nursing
• Emley Holmes - Diploma of Graphic Design
• Tamika Tamaka - Diploma of Justice
• Rhys Weymouth - Diploma of Fitness.

Mr Devine said the Scholarship recipients were chosen for their educational goals and aspirations, background in community participation and their ability to act as role models for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders considering tertiary education and training.

The GCIT Indigenous Scholarship Program has been devised in consultation with the Institute's Indigenous Advisory Board and feedback from the broader Indigenous community.

Mr Devine said the number of Indigenous students graduating with a Certificate III or above qualification at GCIT has doubled in the past 12 months.

"We're delighted with the significant increase in graduation rates for Indigenous students," Mr Devine said, "We want to see this trend continue and set the benchmark in Queensland for the provision of training that is accessible to all. To this end, we now engage the services of a full time Indigenous Student Support Officer."

Scholarship recipient, Adam Reid, is planning a career in fitness and his goal is to eventually manage his own gym. He aims to be a good role model to younger Indigenous people as is concerned with the level of type 2 diabetes being diagnosed in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Former Elanora State High School Student, Emely Holmes, was thrilled to receive her Scholarship and will study for a Diploma of Graphic Design. Emely was highly commended for her entry in the Southern Cross 2011 "Art of a Surfboard Competition" and is an outstanding creative arts student.

Through her Scholarship Emley will enhance her skills and knowledge of the Arts and launch a career in an industry about which she is most passionate.